News Release Archive

AGRICULTURE/MARKETING--RURAL BEAUTIFICATION WEEK
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Guy Brown, minister of agriculture and marketing, is pleased to
announce Rural Beautification Week in Nova Scotia from April 21
to 25.

Mr. Brown signed an official proclamation to recognize the Nova
Scotia Rural Beautification Program for its contribution to the
province. The rural beautification committee holds competitions
each year for litter cleanup and gardening projects that improve
the appearance of the province.

"I would like to congratulate all the volunteers who help to make
this program a success year after year," said Mr. Brown. "Rural
beautification encourages a sense of pride in our communities and
creates a very positive image of the agriculture industry to the
general public."

Marlene Macmillan, chair of the rural beautification committee,
said the program's competitions have benefited the province for
30 years.

"As we travel through rural Nova Scotia, we see neat, beautifully
landscaped properties, attractive parks, restored rural
cemeteries and public buildings . . . our rural beautification
projects," she said. "Our celebration of the 30th anniversary of
rural beautification is not just a time to reflect with pride on
our past achievements; it is also a time to launch new challenges
to take this program into the 21st century."

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the committee announced
two special competition categories this year. The heritage garden
competition will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the program
and the 100th anniversary of the Women's Institutes of Canada. As
well, there is a competition to mark the 75th anniversary of 4-H
in Nova Scotia.

The committee will hold competitions in three other categories
this year: farm improvement, rural property improvement and
community enhancement.

-30-

Contact: George Macintosh  902-424-6734

trp                    Apr. 17, 1997 - 4:10 p.m.